“Let’s go!” my spandex-clad husband cheerfully declares as we round a corner on our bikes. I’ve been enthusiastically pedaling along with him but suddenly my eyes see it…THE HILL.
“Did we make a wrong turn?” I ask with hope in my voice. His sprint to the start of the incline serves as my answer.
I start strong.
By halfway up I think I might die.
By two thirds up I’m hoping I will.
I wave farewell to the caterpillar racing past my tire.
The scenes of my life flash before my eyes and I notice a lot of them contain chocolate.
Then suddenly…I’m there.
At the top.
I would whoop and holler with joy except I can’t breathe. But I do manage a lopsided grin. And my husband says, “Aren’t you glad you didn’t quit?” Despite a strong desire to smack him on his spandex-covered tush for putting me through this, I have to admit he’s right. Stinking hill. It was worth it after all.
You will want to quit. More than once.
And fear is always at the root of it.
I’m not going to make it.
I can’t do this.
It’s too much.
But listen here–you can do it. You’re stronger than you know. Your God is bigger than you’ve seen. That hill isn’t as unending as it seems right now.
Just keep going and going and going.
Until you leave fear in the dust.
Here’s the secret: You’re not a quitter…you’re a climber. You just may not know it yet.
–Holley Gerth, author of You’re Already Amazing {The ebook officially releases today! Woo-hoo!}
* This post is part of a series called 7 Secrets to Overcoming Fear (read the rest here)
ABOUT HOLLEY GERTH
Holley Gerth is a cofounder of (in)courage, author, counselor, life coach, wife to Mark, follower of Jesus, and friend to YOU. She'd love to have coffee with you. As the next best thing, she hopes...
{ 76 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh yes. God bless you for this. X
I needed to read this today.
I was just laying in bed praying to Jesus for some peace that passeth all understanding down deep in the bottom of my heart. I came to read my Dayspring devotion & here I am <3. Thank you for this amazing devotion & the 7 Secrets to Overcoming Fear. I'm on my third page already. I prayed for peace from all the fear I'm carrying around right now & look what Jesus blessed me with. Thanks from the bottom of my heart <3
I’m so glad God slipped these words to you on a day your heart needed them. :)
Yes so true. Thanks for posting this today. This applies to SO many areas of life.
This definitely made me smile this morning. I loved how you said goodbye to the caterpillar… and how you applied this lessen to life.
I’ve been there.
So many times my fear has told me that I can’t do this, that the world is too big and that I don’t really mean anything anyways.
But…
God is BIGGER! and He holds me until the fear washes away.
Yes, so thankful for his arms around us no matter what!
As the wife of another “spandex-clad husband”, I can SO relate to this. : ) I love the truth you applied to this. Thank you!
Just what I needed to hear. Thank you!
Oh girl, you are good! You always inspire!
Praying for you today!
Perfect inspiration for me today. Thank you.
Off I go to climb that hill…
Holy smokes, I needed this today! I can remember other ‘hills’ where I’ve wanted to give up and I’m so, so glad I didn’t. I really appreciate the reminder!
Each hill we climb past our fears, makes the next one a little easier!
Praise God! Thank you for the encouragement. This is a much need boost of encouragement in my day. God is so good and He speaks to us in many ways. You, Holley, are one of those ways. Thank you for taking time out of your day to encourage so many of mine. God bless you!!!
Thank you for your words aptly spoken today!!! We all, especially me, need a reminder!
So true! I love can do attitudes!
Holley,
I’m struggling up my own hill right now, but fear keep making me want to run away. God bless you for sharing your words or encouragement. They help me see the Truth. I am not alone. I am exactly where I should be. And, best of all, when I get over this hill God’s glory will shine for others to see and be encouraged.
God bless
Alicia
Praying for you as you climb that hill, Alicia…
Thank you! Be assured that this message was inspired. Just at the right time as I’m plodding, slogging my way up this impossibly difficult hill called “The Problem” this gave me a much needed ray of hope :-)
Keep pressing on, Rachel. Good things are ahead for you!
Thank you so helpful, so inspiring…God bless!
I LITERALLY just LOL’ed 3 times in my office.
=
By halfway up I think I might die.
By two thirds up I’m hoping I will.
I wave farewell to the caterpillar racing past my tire.
The scenes of my life flash before my eyes and I notice a lot of them contain chocolate.
= the funniest thing I’ve read in a while. And, also, totally my heart.
WOW!! When my phone “pinged” with a new email… I had no idea how much I needed to stop and read it!!! God did… so I stopped!!! Boy, I needed this today!! My family is climbing a hill and it is leaving us all breathless… I know that God is bigger than the hill… but this was a great reminder at just the right time. Thanks!
“The scenes of my life flash before my eyes and I notice a lot of them contain chocolate,” from Holley Gerth (have learned that humour helps).
and
“God is bigger than the hill,” from Susie
my two newest favorite quotes – thanks you two!
In God’s heart I am a CLIMBER!
Holley!
Wife of another ‘spandex-clad husband’ only he’s 62! He bikes serious miles every spring-fall months……1500 miles last year and does a 100 miler around our state just for “FUN” ……really to see that he indeed can still do this! Gracious what an inspiration he is! He rides to work daily and that is 20 miles! What???? Sooo ladies and gents out there The Lord gives us all talent and potential Be (in)couraged in whatever your hill …….love the caterpillar because that would be me…….but like the caterpillar I do eventually get there! You know…slow and steady wins the race! Amen
Dee, I am totally sharing your comment with my husband. That is awesome!!
My heart and emotions are so tired of the struggle. Holley, God has used you today in my life. Thank you.
Thanks for your words, so inspiring
First of all…congratulations on your ebook release today!!!! I’m thrilled for you, it’s a terrific accomplishment! :)
Secondly, thank you for sharing that completely relatable, lovely lesson filled scene. I find it nothing short of humorous, because each time I think God has quietly laid something on my heart, it turns out He’s not trying to be so quiet about it. :) I just wrote a piece about Dreams and the unannounced party-crasher named Fear that always seems to accompany her. Your post, also calling out the unwelcome guest of fear, only confirms what God is trying (always has been, continually trying) to show me. He is bigger. His plans are perfect. Walk in the freedom and live in the hope fashioned especially for me.
Those are some of the thoughts I tried to reconcile at 2:30am last night. And now, as I read your post, I smile because I know I am not supposed to forget His wisdom anytime soon. :) Keep pedaling, and never stop realizing the joy of perseverance. His glory is always waiting as your reward.
Thank you for that encouragement, Leigh Kay. Your words did my heart good today!
Thank you so much…I’m in tears because this is just what I needed. I am a procrastinator by profession and I have a few hills I’m trying to climb right now. I felt defeated this am but not now after your post. Thank you for the ‘You are a climber’ phrase…I think I’m going to change ‘procrastinator to climber’!!!! I am reminded of childbirth and how I wanted to turnback and stop but I couldn’t I had to keep going even when I thought I would die. God equipped me to do that even when I didn’t think I could so I know that he has equipped me with the strenght to get up my hills.
Thank you SO much. You have just changed my whole day and lifted my spirits!!!
Thank you for this; I really, really needed to hear this today.
Soooo Awesome!!! Thank You! You are truly blessed with an unbelievable calling of encouragement. I love reading your daily devotions. I always forward these to my friends and family in hopes they will read it and be encouraged, uplifted, and blessed that day. Thanks for the laugh and the reminder that God is in us, and that we can do ALL things through Christ! Keep them coming! :)
So encouraging! There have been some definite “I want to quit,” moments in my life but then when I look back on it, I appreciate climbing that hill a little more. Well that, and even when I slip and slide down that hill, God is there with every step.
You bless my socks off, Holley Gerth! Thank you!
*singing*
“Thank you for being a friend…traveling down the road and back again….your heart is true…your a pal and a confidante…..”
{hugs} to you today, my friend!
Dear, dear Holley, thank you thank you thank you!!
Petra x
Thanks for the word today, they are like a hug. Nothing is to difficult for God and that’s where my heart has to rest.
Thanks for the word today, they are like a hug. Nothing is to difficult for God and that’s where my heart has to rest.
It is always amazing to think that we can’t do something, when we push through it, and then look back to realize that we CAN do it, and we did it! Our faith grows, and we are encouraged and equipped for the next hurdle or trial or test or challenge. “I can do ALL things through Christ Who strengthens me.” Here’s to all of you strong sisters in Christ! God bless and bless and bless each and every one of you. Congrats, Holley! And, thank you always for your sweet and loving words of encouragements! :-)
Everytime I read what you’ve written, it’s as though you have peered into my heart. Thanks for maiking me feel like I’m not alone. And thank you for your honesty. It truly ministers to me!
This is one of the most motivating and uplifting posts I’ve read in a long time, Holley! You have a way with words. It is witty, humorous, and poignant. I feel like you are sitting alongside me, speaking directly into my heart as I read. I think I will hold onto that feeling!
Hahahaha thanks for your fresh honesty.
Lately, God is telling me a lot to persevered and keep at it.
I affirm that I am CLIMBER!
IT IS COMMENDABLE WHAT YOU ARE DOING WITH YOUR WEBSITE.YOUR CARING AND CONCERN IS WONDERFUL.FOR SOME OF US THESE WORDS DO NOT HELP.A LIFETIME OF DISAPPOINTMENTS,FAILURES AND IN GENERAL NOTHING WORKING OUT HAS A WAY OF WEARING A PERSON DOWN EVEN WHEN THEY CONSTANTLY TRY TO BE GRATEFUL AND LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE.A CONTINUOUS HEAVY LOAD WILL WEAR ANYONE DOWN.I TRY TO READ YOUR WORDS BUT I JUST CAN’T SEEM TO APPLY AS I HAVE TRIED SO MANY WAYS AND NOTHING MAKES ANYTHING ANY BETTER.
Been there Janie and know that such deep grieving or depression can wear you down and take some time to come up from; just remember that God loves you and that this will pass. Keep reading your bible, search for hope and truth and the shadows will one day scatter in Jesus’ healing light. There is always hope. I’m sure anyone reading your comment today will be praying for you as I will too.
God bless!
Not quiting today!
This is such a beautiful post! These words have been on my mind so much lately… I am NOT a quitter! Thank you for being obedient to the Holy Spirit in sharing your own personal experience on this topic.
Holley, this reminded me of a “simple hike” we made with friends down & up the Grand Canyon. Your caterpillar was really our deer walking behind us for about a 1/4 of a mile before we even knew it was there! It did feel great to do the hike…problem is I’m still afraid to do it again :) Thanks for posting this & bringing back a very happy & funny memory.
You are always such an inspiration, Holley. Today’s word was just what I needed as I am trying to raise my 18 year old son. I won’t say it’s too hard any more because I am not a quitter!!!! Crippling fear and not able to completely surrender it all to the Lord are my daily battles. But thank you Holley for your encouragement. It will be worth it all in the end!
Oh, hills and bikes are not my friend!
But one foot in front of the other, one day at a time, with God’s help eventually you get there…
Crazy encouraging! I feel like quitting ministry/writing about once a month AND THEN GOD…thank you for the gift of courage today.
Can I just say…the scenes with chocolate flashing before your eyes made me laugh out loud? I hope it was dark chocolate!
Recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer, I wake each morning leaning more and more into Christ’s arms. While we don’t the outcome of so many of our “hills” we do know that God is faithful and loves us dearly. Plus, we worship a God of miracles!! :)
Your sense of humor is so good for the soul. Laughter has been a great source of healing for me. What I have learned the most from this experience is NOTICING the caterpillars and taking the time, precious moments, to take in the present. Time spent in the process. Special time with friends, digging deep and talking about things that really matter. Your website was shared by a dear friend and I am so thankful!!!
Tam,
God Bless you. God Heal you. God Love you…
Than you, Jen.
This post spoke to me in a unique way..never, ever quit…keep on asking God for a miracle or change of some kind.
I’ve been wanting a new/different job for a while now and nothing seems to be coming my way..this may be God’s way of saying “You want change, ok I’ll change you and your perception of the job you have”.
Praising God for you and rejoicing with you on your ebook WHOOOO HOOO! Congratulations!!
Dear Holley,
Yet again another empowering series! The Holy Spirit has been teaching me how to confront fear head-on lately, and you series of fear is so timely! Holley, what a blessing you are! God bless you richly in everything.
Suzan
Yes! I heard once that success comes only to those who don’t quit. It’s true, isn’t it? You can only reach your potential if you keep moving forward. For me, that applies applies to weight loss right now, but it really applies to everyone in every situation.
Thanks for a great post.
Hey Holley,
I am a (reasonably young) academic who is losing my sight far too quickly. Blindness is my hill which I climb hourly with faith in God. He is not only at the top of our hills, but walking every step with us as we sweat and climb!
Thank you for you blog. God sends you to be one of the cheer squad who cheers us onward and upward to heavenly minded thoughts.
God Bless you
Prayers of gratitude for you are coming your way from Australia today xx
Donna
Hi Holley,
I have seen that same caterpillar…great post…thank you!
Thanks so much, Holley! What a wonderful post this is about the value of persistence! This is so inspiring–so beautiful! Blessings!
So badly needed this reminder today! Thank you!!!! I reposted part of this on my page and had people return here, but if I did any of it wrong please feel free to let me know! Just had to be sure to share it! What a blessing and encouragement. :)
The best yet…just the best yet. Thank you. Going to keep this handy on my desktop and share it with my friends that have been struggling.
I LOVE this so much! Thanks!
I miscarried, two years ago. My third pregnancy… We have two precious daughters. Totally blessed. I suffered debilitating anxiety, a few months, after loss. Had to start taking meds for anxiety. A hard decision. I’m a very natural person. I’m still on them. When I try to get off of them, symptoms return. Seems to risky to stay on them and try to get pregnant. I’m planning on taking a natural healing path, during the second half of the year. I pray for healing… I’m half way up the hill. Seems I’ve driven off the path and I’m stuck in a ditch…
I’ll be praying for you, Jen. Curious what your natural healing path will be. ?? Don’t lose hope! God bless you and draw you near.
Praying for you now Jen, for healing and for clear direction from God on what path to take next. Decisions like that can be so tough, may it be clear to you what to do. I take anti-anxiety meds too, and have gotten biblical counseling as I seek to grow in the Lord so that perhaps the anxieties will go away or dissipate, but it doesn’t happen overnight. Give yourself a little grace as you seek and grow. I’m not sure if this would be helpful for you or not, but I sure appreciated the viewpoint even though it’s a slightly different type of medication: http://www.russellmoore.com/2012/02/28/is-it-right-for-a-christian-to-take-anti-depressants
I really respect Dr. Moore and found that to be super helpful, so I hope it can bless you as well. Praying for you!
Thank you for the link:) I appreciate Dr. Moore’s view and agree with it. I pray and have great compassion for others who have, also, lost their footing. I truly believe God is healing me, as a whole person and pray that he will do the same for others. I am currently reading “Praying God’s Word” by Beth Moore and learning how to find freedom from strongholds by praying scripture. Praying for you, too, Rochelle.
Thanks for this morning’s part of the series … “overcoming fear” as it truly made me laugh out loud in places which I guess is a good way at looking at fear sometimes.
Thanks Holley.
Tamara
Thanks for the timely rebuke!
More power!
Hani
Thank you Holley for this encouraging series. I am truly encouraged and blessed by your words. May the Lord bless you.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Did you mean this to be for writers? Cuz I feel like you meant this to be for writers. ;)
Thinking of some of my hills:
-grown children, loving the Lord and impacting the world for Him
-healing & real growth in my marriage
-a life well-lived and a good testimony in the end
-homeschooling 8 children through graduation
The uphill climb can be so grueling, thank you for such a sweet boost in the motivation department! :)
Oh my goodness! I am a cyclist (road) and had such a hard ride today with many hills and lots of wind. Thank you for this post! ( love the caterpillar part)
I almost gave up this sport because of fear due to traffic and a little crash with a couple of other cyclists last summer. However, I love cycling and I trust God! I am His and He is mine.
Good for you for pushing through!
The hill on the bike path next to Crystal Bridges immediately comes to mind. Next time I tackle it, I will remember your words. One day last summer it was particularly difficult for me to make it up the hill. My husband recommended zig zagging so at least I moved forward a little bit at a time, never losing momentum and never quitting. I think that’s a nice tie in here as well. Sometimes all I need from God is to be my zig zag!